Chelsea Dominates January Transfer Window: WSL Winners and Losers Revealed
The January transfer window for the Women's Super League has closed. Chelsea emerges as the biggest winners, while Manchester City faces challenges. Who else gained or lost?
The Women's Super League (WSL) January transfer window has officially come to a close, with the deadline passing at 11 p.m. GMT on Thursday. Now, all 12 WSL teams have finalized their squads for the second half of the season. The window showcased thrilling shifts that will impact the league dynamics significantly.
Winners
Chelsea
Chelsea has emerged as the undisputed champions of this January transfer window. Breaking the women's transfer record, they acquired USWNT defender Naomi Girma for £881,000 ($1.1 million), making her the first female player ever to command over $1 million. They also secured Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh for another £440,000. Spending over £1.3 million, Chelsea displayed their ambition to solidify their status as the powerhouse of the WSL.
Unbeaten in 20 games with a record of 11 wins from 12 matches in the WSL, Chelsea looks poised to clinch the league trophy. With these high-profile signings, they are not only strengthening their roster but are also enhancing their chances of success in the Champions League. Their star striker, Sam Kerr, is still recovering from injury, meaning Chelsea is only set to get stronger in the remaining fixtures.
Everton
Everton fans have reason to feel optimistic following the conclusion of this transfer window. After navigating a challenging period marked by injuries and ownership changes, Everton has made shrewd signings, including Hayley Ladd from Manchester United and striker Kelly Gago. These additions should provide stability and spark creativity for the team moving forward.
Chloe Kelly
In a dramatic turn of events, Chloe Kelly confirmed her loan from Manchester City to Arsenal just before the window closed. After only starting once in the current WSL season, Kelly is on a quest for happiness and form again, especially with the Euro 2025 looming. Her switch might be just what she needs to revitalize her career.
Neutral
Arsenal
It's been a mixed bag for Arsenal this January. While they managed to sign Nighswonger and Kelly, losing out to Chelsea for the top talents like Girma and Walsh means they still need to enhance their squad if they aim to take the league crown from Chelsea.
Liverpool
Liverpool has struggled this season, compounded by injuries. While they did not secure any permanent signings, they brought in some promising loan additions. The return of key players from injury could see them bounce back stronger in the coming matches.
Losers
Manchester City
Despite signing Brazilian international Kerolin, Manchester City enters the second half of the season with challenging circumstances. The exit of Chloe Kelly has left a bitter taste, highlighting a strained relationship between the player and club. City needs to regroup if they want to close the gap with Chelsea.
Manchester United
Although United has performed well on the field recently, their lack of significant signings this window suggests a recognition of their current limits in challenging Chelsea. With goalkeeper Kayla Rendell as their only new face, they’ll need to invest further if they aspire to be among Europe's elite.
The State of WSL vs NWSL
Once deemed the best league globally, the NWSL has faced increasing competition from the WSL. The transfer of Girma and Kerolin to Chelsea signifies a shift in elite talent, suggesting that the WSL is becoming the destination for the world’s best players. This transfer window has only reinforced the growing reputation and allure of the Women’s Super League, marking it as a league to watch closely as the season unfolds.
As the second half of the season commences, the landscape of the WSL looks more exciting than ever, with Chelsea gasping ahead and other clubs eager to catch up. Fans can expect thrilling competitions ahead!
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